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Animatt Animattress 1-40

DLG-APPROVED: "Deformability/Elasticity, Permanent Tread Load, Abrasion"

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The approval

A test mark „DLG-APPROVED for individual criteria“ is awarded for agricultural products which have successfully fulfilled a scope-reduced usability testing conducted by DLG according to independent and recognized evaluation criteria. The test is intended to highlight particular innovations and key criteria of the test object. The test may contain criteria from the DLG test scope for overall tests, or focus on other value-determining characteristics and properties of the test subject. The minimum requirements, test conditions and procedures as well as the evaluation bases of the test results will be specified in consultation with an expert group of DLG. They correspond to the recognized rules of technology, as well as scientific and agricultural knowledge and requirements. The successful testing is concluded with the publication of a test report, as well as the awarding of the test mark which is valid for five years from the date of awarding.

The DLG Approved TestDeformability/Elasticity, Permanent Tread Load, Abrasion” includes technical ­measurements on test stands of the DLG Test Center. The deformability and elasticity, the abrasion resistance, were measured and a permanent tread load was applied. The test was based on the DLG Testing Framework for elastic stable flooring, as at April 2010. Other criteria were not investigated.

Assessment – Brief Summary

The Animat animattress 1-40 tested here, an elastic floor for cubicles in cubicle houses, was investigated with regard to durability and comfort properties on test stands in the DLG Approved Test. The deformability and elasticity, the abrasion resistance, were measured and a permanent tread load was applied. The deformability and elasticity in new condition and following permanent tread load were better than standard.

Table 1: Overview of results

Test characteristic Test result Evaluation *
Deformability and elasticity    
– in new condition 29,0 mm, very good + +
– following endurance test 26,3 mm, very good + +
Permanent tread load    
  no lasting deformation + +
  no noticeable wear +
Abrasion test    
  good wear resisitance +

*    Evaluation range:: + + / + /◯ / – / – – (¡ = Standard)
**    Evaluation range: + = resisitant / ◯ = limited resistant / – = not resisitant

The Product

Description and specifications

The Animat Animattress 1-40 tested here, an elastic floor for cubicles in cubicle houses

  • thickness approx. 43.0 mm
  • Covermat
  • Surface: black
  • Undersite: coppery colour
  • Thickness: ca. 3 mm
  • Shore A hardness: approx. 75
  • Mattress underlay made of approx. 40 mm thick PU foam sheet
  • seamless installation.

The Method

Deformability and elasticity

The deformability was measured in new condition and following permanent tread load with a round steel foot (diameter of 105 mm and therefore a contact area of 75 cm²) and a penetration force of 2,000 N (corresponding to approx. 200 kg).

Permanent tread load

The permanent tread load was carried out on a test stand with a round steel foot in the standard test programme with 100,000 alternating loads at 10,000 N (corresponding to approx. 1000 kg). The steel foot is adapted to the natural conditions as an “artificial cow foot”. The foot has a diameter of 105 mm and therefore a contact area of 75 cm²; the carrying edge of the hoof is simulated by a 5 mm wide ring on the periphery of the sole that projects 1 mm above the rest of the surface.

Abrasion test

In a standardised abrasion test with 10.000 cycles the top cover was grinded with an emery cloth (granulation 280) and a grinding pressure of 500 N (= 8.1 N/cm² surface pressure). The friction element was cooled continuous with water to prevent an influence of the generated heat during the abrasion test. The size of the grinded  area was 61,5 cm².

The Test Results in Detail

Deformability and elasticity

In the ball penetration tests in new condition with a calotte (r = 120 mm), penetration depth was 29.0 mm. The resulting calculated bearing pressure of 9.2 N/cm² indicates a very low load on the carpal joints when lying down and getting up.

Elasticity was measured following a permanent tread load exerted by a steel foot (contact area: 75 cm²) with 100,000 alternating loads at 10,000 N. Following the endurance test, the penetration depth  of the calotte decreased from 29.0 mm to 26.3 mm. The bearing pressure increased from 9.2 N/cm² to 10.1 N/cm² (see Fig. 2). This means that deformability and elasticity slightly decrease.

Permanent tread load

No noticeable wear on the surface or the foam of the mat was observed following exposure to permanent tread load on a test stand with 100,000 alternating loads at 10,000 N. No lasting deformation was observed.

Abrasion test

The abrasion depth after 10,000 cycles amounted to 0.5 mm, this corresponds to approximately 16 % of the rubber thickness. Of the ground surface 1.4 grams were rubbed off. The abrasion depth and the slight grit implicate a good wear resistance of the rubber mat.

Summary

Based on test-stand investigations, the criteria tested in this DLG Approved Test evaluate the comfort and durability properties of the Animat Animattress 1-40 for use in the resting area of high cubicles in cubicle houses. The tested cow mattress met the requirements of the Testing Framework with respect to the investigated criteria.

Applicant and Test implementation

Manufacturer and Applicant

Animat Inc.,
284 Godin Path,
CA J1ROS6 Sherbrooke QC – Kanada

Contact
Telephone 0060 819 821 2091 222,
Fax 0060 819 821 2879
psavary@animat.ca
www.animat.com
http://www.delaval.com

Test implementation

DLG TestService GmbH, Gross-Umstadt location
The tests are conducted on behalf of DLG e.V.

DLG test scope
DLG Approved Test “Elastic Stable Flooring”
(as at 04/2010)

Department
Indoor operations

Head of Department
Dr. Michael Eise

Test engineer(s)
Dr. Harald Reubold *

*    Author

Contact

DLG TestService GmbH - Groß-Umstadt location • Max-Eyth-Weg 1 64823 Groß-Umstadt Germany • Tel.: +49(0)69 24 788-611 • tech@DLG.org